An expelled member of the ruling Zanu-PF party Youth League has challenged First Lady Grace Mugabe to “leave the kitchen if she cannot stand the heat.”

Former Zanu-PF Mashonaland Central youth chairperson, Godfrey Tsenengamu, also charged that they were used to hound former Vice President Joice Mujuru, who was expelled from the party for allegedly attempting to topple President Mugabe.

The ruling Zanu-PF Politburo on Thursday purged some members of the party allegedly linked to vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa in a move some analysts say is aimed at weakening the vice president and diminishing his chances of succeeding president Robert Mugabe.

The ruling party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo announced the three-year suspension of War Veterans Minister Chris Mutsvangwa, his wife Monica, and Women’s League secretary for administration Esphina Nhari.

The party also expelled seven youth chairpersons and other party members bring the total to 16. Mutsvangwa has indicated that he will appeal.

Tsenengamu said his expulsion is unconstitutional.

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute Director Pedzisayi Ruhanya said the current purges are similar to what was faced by former vice president Joice Mujuru.